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Published on Tuesday, 13 May 2008 22:54

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We Look so Well
In view of the constantly changing levels and sites of pain you may have thought that the person troubled with fibromyalgia was going mad or simply being idle. Don’t feel guilty if you have, for many of us have had the same thoughts about ourselves. How can we

look so well and feel so bad? Fibromyalgia is often referred to as the invisible condition or the irritable everything syndrome because there are no visible signs, but inside we are hurting and our self esteem can be very low. We may feel that we are letting everyone down. Try to talk about these feelings and learn to recognise mood swings and down days. Work together to reduce daily levels of stress: everyone will benefit.

The two main symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue, but muscle stiffness is also a very troublesome symptom. This usually occurs after sleeping or lying in one position. Once we get moving the stiffness will normally ease after an hour or two, but in some people it can last all day. Stiffness and pain can also occur if we sit in one position for too long. This needs to be considered when planning journeys.